Replacing Kitchen Worktops: Laminate, Wood, Quartz and What to Expect
Compare worktop materials, what replacing a worktop involves, and how a new worktop and splashback can refresh a kitchen without a full refit.
New worktops are one of the most effective ways to refresh a kitchen without replacing the units. If your cabinets are sound, new worktops, a splashback and fresh paint can make the room look almost new for a fraction of the cost of a full refit.
The quick answer
- Laminate: the most affordable, with many designs, but avoid hot pans and cuts
- Solid wood: warm and natural, but needs oiling and care around sinks
- Compact laminate: thin, tough and water-resistant
- Quartz and stone: very hard-wearing and premium, cut and fitted by specialists from a template
- Check the units are level and sound before replacing worktops
Comparing worktop materials
| Material | Look | Care | Heat and water | Fitting |
| Laminate | Wide choice of patterns | Low | Avoid hot pans, seal edges | Cut on site |
| Solid wood | Natural and warm | Oil regularly | Vulnerable near sinks | Cut on site |
| Compact laminate | Slim, modern | Low | Good | Specialist tools |
| Quartz | Premium, consistent | Low | Very good, but use trivets | Templated and fitted by specialists |
| Granite | Natural stone | Low to medium | Very good | Templated and fitted by specialists |
What replacing a worktop involves
- Measure and choose the material
- Disconnect and remove the sink, hob and taps
- Remove the old worktop and check the units are level
- Cut and fit the new worktop, including joints, sink and hob cut-outs
- Seal cut edges and joints
- Reconnect the sink and taps, and refit the hob
- Fit upstands or a splashback and seal
Gas hobs must be disconnected and reconnected by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Stone and quartz worktops are usually measured from a template after the units are fixed, so allow time between templating and fitting.
A kitchen refresh without a full refit
- New worktops and splashback
- Painted or replaced cupboard doors
- New handles and taps
- New lighting under wall cupboards, by an electrician
- New flooring and fresh paint
Frequently asked questions
Can a new worktop go on old units?
Yes, if the units are level, sound and the right depth. Damaged carcasses near the sink may need repair first.
How long does it take to replace a worktop?
Laminate and wood are often fitted in a day. Stone and quartz need templating first, then fitting a week or more later.
Can you fit worktops I have bought?
Yes. Send the product details and a plan of your kitchen.
Related guides
Send photos, rough lengths and your postcode, or call 07444 262522.